Ziv-aflibercept
Generic name: ziv-aflibercept [ ZIV-a-FLIB-er-sept ]
Brand name: Zaltrap
Dosage form: intravenous solution (25 mg/mL)
Drug class:VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors
What is ziv-aflibercept?
Ziv-aflibercept is used in combination chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Ziv-aflibercept is usually given after other medications did not work or have stopped working.
Ziv-aflibercept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Ziv-aflibercept may cause serious and sometimes fatal bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have any signs of unusual bleeding, including easy bruising, bloody stools, coughing up blood, or feeling light-headed or short of breath.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using ziv-aflibercept.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
bleeding problems;
heart problems, high blood pressure;
open sores or skin wounds; or
surgery or dental work within the past 4 weeks.
Ziv-aflibercept may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using ziv-aflibercept and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.
You should not breastfeed while you are using ziv-aflibercept, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
How is ziv-aflibercept given?
Ziv-aflibercept is given as an infusion into a vein, usually every other week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.
You will need frequent medical tests and blood pressure checks.
Ziv-aflibercept can cause problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. You will need to stop receiving ziv-aflibercept at least 4 weeks before having any surgery or dental work. Do not start using the medicine for at least 4 weeks after surgery, or until your surgical incision heals.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your ziv-aflibercept injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since ziv-aflibercept is g...
